A report compiled for the Florida Department of Health has concluded that chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood in playgrounds is not harmful to children.
The year-long study by the Florida Physicians Arsenic Workgroup found the amount of arsenic that could be absorbed from playground soil and CCA treated wood is not significant compared to natural sources and will not result in detectable arsenic intake.
However, the US Environmental Protection Agency has already agreed with the construction industry to reduce the use of CCA treated wood in homes and playground equipment. By January 2004 this will be extended to move consumer use of CCA treated timber to alternative wood preservatives.
